Golden Wall / Castle Bridge Loop

Golden Wall / Castle Bridge Loop

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This stunning hike in the "Little Bryce Canyon", also known as Red Canyon, leads up a gully to a spectacular exposed ridge. Here you will get fantastic views of red rock formations and hoodoos.

Getting there

From the town of Bryce, head north towards the junction with Highway 12. Turn left and hop onto Highway 12, soon entering the Dixie National Forest. After passing under the two scenic red arches you will see signs for the Red Canyon Visitors Centre. Just past the visitors centre there are pullouts on both the left and the right side. Try to park in the left pullout, however if necessary park on the right pullout. The trail is located just across the paved bike path from the left pullout.

Elevation

Weather

Detailed Description

There is not a super well-defined trailhead for this hike! You will only see a large metal sign with arrows pointing towards the Castle Bridge Trail and the Golden Wall Trail. Just past these signs you will cross a wash — a dried up creek bed that flows during flash floods — and then begin on the well-defined trail.

This path winds through sparse ponderosa pines as it slowly ascends the canyon. Soon you will reach a well signed junction, turn left here towards the Castle Bridge Trail. This path switchbacks up then starts to veer right. Soon you will be above almost all the trees and have fantastic views of the canyon. Red cliffs and beautiful hoodoos permeate your entire view!

Unlike many rock formations you will see in the Grand Canyon or Zion Canyon, hoodoos were not totally carved by erosion. They were, in fact, principally caused by the freezing and thawing of snow and ice every winter! The expansion of the ice has carved them out, creating the completely vertical spires that precariously perch themselves on the rock.

After climbing and descending the ridge you will come to another intersection. Turn right here to go along the Golden Wall Trail back to the parking lot. This path once again meanders through absolutely stunning pine trees. Soon you will find yourself back at the wash and your parked car.

Insider Hints

You can also continue going along the Golden Wall Trail (turning left at the final intersection), then link up with the Buckhorn Trail to form a loop. To return to your car after descending the Buckhorn, turn left and follow the paved bike path to the pullout you parked in.